Manchester City defender Kompany to face late fitness test ahead of Chelsea match

23 November 2012 12:17

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini remains hopeful captain Vincent Kompany will be able to face title rivals Chelsea this weekend.

The Belgium defender suffered a knee injury in a clash with Cristiano Ronaldo late in Wednesday's Champions League encounter with Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. The 26-year-old completed the 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw but required treatment after the game and left the ground on crutches.

His place for the champions' Barclays Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge is in doubt but Mancini has not yet ruled him out. The Italian said: "We need to wait. I hope we can recover him for Sunday because Vinnie is strong."

City's draw with Real confirmed their elimination from the Champions League after a dismal European campaign. But despite lacking the flair of last season, their domestic results have been excellent and they head to London unbeaten as Premier League leaders.

Mancini hopes the switch back to league matters will allow his team to recover from their midweek disappointment but he is also wary of a Chelsea side rebounding from a week of turmoil.

Chelsea, with their Champions League title defence badly damaged, sacked manager Roberto Di Matteo in midweek and replaced him with Rafael Benitez.

The club have also been heavily criticised after the Football Association dismissed their allegations of inappropriate language against referee Mark Clattenburg.

Mancini said: "Usually when one team changes a manager the game after for the opponents is very difficult. For us, I think it is more difficult.

"Chelsea is a good team with Di Matteo and will be a good team for Benitez. They have good players. Until three games ago they played fantastic football and were on the top."

Left-back Gael Clichy is back in contention after an ankle injury and striker Mario Balotelli continues to train after a back problem.